Justin Rutter, missing for 5 years, could be in Vancouver

Ottawa police say Justin Rutter, who disappeared five years ago today, could be in Vancouver and the force has offered a $5,000 reward for information that helps find Rutter.

On Oct. 8, 2009, at about 10 p.m. ET, Rutter parted ways with a friend on Côté Street near St. Laurent Boulevard after leaving his home in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood in the afternoon, according to police.​

He had told the friend he didn't want to go home and wanted to stay out late or all night.

At the time, police said there were two possible sightings of the boy after he disappeared:

- Near the Ottawa Mission on Waller Street in Lowertown three days later.

- At the Salvation Army men's shelter on George Street in the Byward Market on the night he went missing.

More than a week after Rutter's disappearance, police said Rutter talked to friends during a "confirmed sighting" in Ottawa's Vanier neighbourhood. At the time, Justin "stressed that he did not want to return home," police said.

He was described as wearing a white hooded sweatshirt or coat during the sighting.

Tip from Vancouver

In 2009, Justin was described as being about five feet four inches tall and 110 pounds, with a slim build, short light brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing dark blue jeans and a brown and white hoodie when he went missing.

On Wednesday, police released a sketch showing what Rutter would look like at his current age of 19. Insp. Don Sweet also said they have received about 50 tips over the five years Rutter has been missing.

One recent tip indicated he could be in the Vancouver area. Ottawa police are now working with Vancouver police to confirm that.

Police admitted they worry Rutter has "met with foul play" or could be "deceased."

The $5,000 reward is the first ever offered for a missing person in Ottawa, police said.